Qatar Moto2 test: ‘Confident’ Marquez ready for podium scrap

Estrella Galicia’s Alex Marquez is confident he can fight for the podium at this weekend’s opening Moto 2 race after finishing top three at the Qatar test which confirmed the pace he showed at Jerez and also in the team’s private tests.

The Spaniard was at the sharp end when track conditions allowed in the desert and was beaten only by team-mate Franco Morbidelli and Taka Nakagami.

“I’m really happy with how the preseason testing has gone; I was quickest in Jerez, third here despite the weather and my pace was also good at the two private tests in Spain. I feel really confident, I feel comfortable on the bike and the lap times seem to come easily, but we know we can improve further during practice for the first race,” said Marquez.

“I’m looking forward to this weekend, because race weekends are more enjoyable than testing, and I’m completely motivated to fight for a good result. Of course, to finish on the podium in Qatar would be the perfect way to start the season, but I’m sure there are plenty of other riders who are thinking exactly the same.”

Morbidelli added: “This has probably been the best preseason for me since I started racing in Moto2 and it’s been really encouraging ahead of the first few races of the season. I’m very happy with the job we’ve done, but now we need to focus on the racing, starting this next weekend in Qatar.

“People always talk about potential championship contenders going into a new season but there is some competition this year, so we won’t really get a feel for this until we’re four or five races into the championship. There are probably four or five riders who I’ll be keeping any eye on, including my teammate, as Álex has been very fast during testing this season. But testing is one thing and racing is another, and I’m looking forward to the weekend ahead here in Qatar.”